A job well done Security supervisor is accustomed to protecting others

April 11, 2007|SHERRY VAN ARSDALL Tribune Staff Writer

SOUTH BEND Gregory Runnels is used to being assigned to guarding others in the limelight. He's provided security for three presidents and a Russian general during his 21-year career in the United States Air Force. It was behind the scenes. After retiring about four years ago from the military, Runnels became director of campus security at Holy Cross College. The 53-year-old has been named supervisor of the month several times through Securitas Security Services, USA Inc., the company contracted for security at the college. Now, he finds himself in the limelight after receiving the "Supervisor of the Year" award. And he'd still rather be behind the scenes. "I have no idea what brought it (the award) about," Runnels said. "Some people think I go the extra mile. I'm just a perfectionist and make sure things go right." Apparently others have observed his leadership skills and his outlook as a leader. "A leader can't lead from the rear, he has to be at the front and willing to do any position," Runnels said. His job includes overseeing five security officers, doing scheduling and payroll, "plus the physical security during the day," he said. The director has the same expectations of his officers. "I do expect my officers to live up to their fullest potential and try to maximize that potential," he said, "and learn from the bad." His perspective on life came from a former commander while serving in the military. In order to be successful, you have to live up to your own expectations and not someone else's. Then everything else will fall into line for you, Runnels said. He's even reluctant to let it be known that while in the Air Force, he guarded President Reagan and Pope John Paul when they met in Fairbanks, Alaska, as well as Presidents Bush and Clinton during campaign stops. He was based in Cheyenne, Wyo., along with his wife, Ruth, for 10 years. During that time, a Russian general and his base commander came to their quarters. The couple were asked to host the general so he could see how the Air Force NCOs lived. "He was in the Russian air force, and they were in the states as part of the SALT II," Runnels added. To him, his wife means more than the awards and trophies that are just physical indications of his success and not that important to him. "She's the best prize I've ever won," he said, smiling. In fact, he's not even sure where this latest trophy will end up, perhaps in a drawer in his desk at work or at home. "Awards are OK, it's just not something to strive for," the Niles resident said. "To me, the award is like bragging, and I don't like to brag. People should be liked for what they do, not what they can achieve."Staff writer Sherry Van Arsdall: svanarsdall@sbtinfo.com (269) 687-7004